(KTTS News) – It’s harvest season, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued a warning to drivers to stay alert for tractors and farm equipment on the roadways.

According to the Highway Patrol, there were 177 traffic accidents involving farm equipment last year, resulting in seven fatalities and 63 injuries.

The MSHP has issued tips for drivers and farmers.

Farmers:

•  Make sure your farm equipment is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when you travel on the roadway.
• If traffic accumulates behind you on the road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so vehicles can pass.
• Always drive as far to the right as possible.
• It’s harder to see you at dawn or dusk, so please don’t travel on the road during those times if possible.
• Often, all-terrain vehicles are used for agricultural purposes. ATVs being used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends operators wear a safety helmet regardless of age.
• Remember: Missouri law allows agricultural machinery and implements to be operated on state highways between the hours of sunset and sunrise for agricultural purposes provided such vehicles are equipped with the required lighting. Like other motor vehicles, most modern farm tractors have seat belts. Always use a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with a roll-over protection structure.

Drivers:

• Stay alert for slow moving farm equipment.
• When you drive up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down and be patient.
• Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve.
• Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely.
• It’s important that you pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways. Special attention must be paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see.